Monday, August 16, 2010

wayward home for expecting ducks

Just about 48 hours after Mrs. Quackers vacated our dock side tomato plant with her ducklings, we were shocked to see another mystery egg sitting in our tomato plant. And then the next day another. And another. But no duck.
Until a certain little boy made a point of getting up early enough to spy and see a new mama duck sitting in our plant again early one morning.
He decided to name her Shadow because she spent the first 2 weeks or so hiding from and avoiding us at all costs. But eventually she settled down and stuck to the nest. We were laughing, imagining a "Vacancy" sign being hung on our finger pier once Mrs. Quackers left. Like she spread the news to the other expecting mamas about this great little place to lay eggs.

Shadow has had a rough go of it with the heat wave and all. She often heaves a sigh (yeah, the duck actually sighs!) and flops her head down like a tired dog. She takes more swims away from the nest than our last tenant, which gives Zach egg counting and sketching opportunities.
And since the heat has taken its toll on our tomato plants, she doesn't have the rich green canopy that Mrs. Quackers enjoyed. I look at her flopped out on her nest, waiting in the heat, and I feel for her. I get it. Soon enough, girlfriend, I tell her. And she looks at me, and I think she gets it too.

9 comments:

Laura said...

Wishing you both green canopy to stay cool! :)

momma rae said...

so sweet that you two can commiserate! here's to cooler weather for both you mamas. ;)

Shanda said...

Year of the duck tomatoes! I'm sure your son will always remember this summer. We're supposed to be mildly cooler this week here in WV, so maybe it is coming your way. . .

Michele said...

You just must be giving off lots of pregnancy pheromones and are drawing all the pregnant wildlife in the area!!

gardenmama said...

absolutely incredible!
i can't get over this and for the second time! what beautiful memories!

Anonymous said...

oh too funny Cindy, I remember the waddle walk! May you walk in such beauty mama! hugs-

Lynnette said...

I hear a special rock is coming your way. May it bring more beauty to your already special days.

Joy said...

Wow, that must be a motherly tomato plant. :) I hope both you and Shadow are staying cool in this heat. BTW, will you send me your mailing address?

Molly said...

this is so incredible! i'm completely inspired by your adventure.

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